Mission: Marriage — music is personal for Easton couple's wedding

Stephanie Hart and Ryan Gallagher have invited a close family friend and Hart's cousin to play music during the wedding and reception.

Cody Shepard The Enterprise @cshepard_ENT

EASTON — When Stephanie Hart walks down the isle, it won't just be anyone playing the music — her cousin and a family friend will make it much more personal.

Billy Branigan, who has worked in the music industry most of his life, and released an album and several singles in the 1980s, will be playing guitar during Hart and Ryan Gallagher's September wedding.

During the ceremony, he will play alongside Kayla Miner, who is Hart's cousin. They will play an instrumental version of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri during the wedding.

"This is a part of my wedding that I'm very excited about," Hart said. "Having my cousin Kayla play the flute when I walk down the isle was a big deal to me. She's such a great artist and I'm so proud of where she is in her music."

The pair met with the couple Thursday night in Easton to rehearse, as final preparations are made for the wedding.

"I couldn't be happier with the outcome, they get better every time they play," Hart said.

At the reception, Branigan will perform "Only You Can Love Me This Way," by Keith Urban. He will also play guitar and sing for their first dance, but the couple didn't want to reveal the song before the reception.

"We are very lucky to have them both involved in our wedding," Gallagher said.

Branigan is the brother of the late Laura Branigan, who had a 1982 platinum-certified hit "Gloria," and a top-5 single, "Self Control."

"You can tell Billy is a natural performer from the moment you meet him — whether he is telling a story, singing a song or playing an instrument, he is captivating," Gallagher said.

The Easton couple, who are set to be married Sept. 4, have tried add personal touches to their wedding. They

"One thing that Steph and I have tried to do is to make the wedding as personal as possible in all aspects," Gallagher said.

Their friend who introduced them is officiating the wedding and their DJ is a radio personality they grew up with.

"Our wedding is going to be very personal and Billy is the perfect way to add to that theme," Gallagher said.

Mission: Marriage is a series following Stephanie Hart and Ryan Gallagher of Easton as they prepare for their Sept. 4 wedding, providing hints for others who might soon embark on their mission to get married.